Research Assistant in Motor-twin Development and Validation

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Generous pension

Discounts and rewards

Staff networks

Recognition awards

Professional development

Job summary

The University of Sheffield invites applications for a Research Assistant to support the SMART project. The role focuses on developing and validating motor-twin models for permanent magnet machines, with emphasis on modelling, parameter estimation, and preparing outputs for partners.

The successful candidate will collaborate with academic and industrial partners, generate simulation and experimental validation evidence, and document methods for deliverables and publications.

Qualifications

• PhD or working towards a PhD in electrical engineering (or equivalent).
• Experience in modelling, simulation or analysis of electrical machines or electric drives (BLDC/PMSM).
• Experience using engineering software for modelling and data analysis (MATLAB/Simulink, Python).
• Knowledge of field-oriented control / FPGA-based control desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop motor-twin models for BLDC/PMSM drives, including parameters and state estimation.
• Deliver reduced-order high-fidelity electrical machine modelling methods for simulation, HIL and real-time controller.
• Support validation using HIL platforms, dynamometer testing and environmental data.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners, present progress and maintain technical records.
• Contribute to dissemination activities, including technical reports and publications.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Skills

Modelling

Simulation

Electrical machines

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

Teamwork

Time management

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering

PhD underway

Tools

HIL platforms

Finite-element tools

Job description

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are inviting applications for a Research Assistant to support the University of Sheffield's contribution to the SMART (Secure Motor AI-Responsive Technology) project. The post will contribute to the development and validation of computationally efficient motor-twin models for permanent magnet synchronous machines. The work will focus on machine modelling, parameter and state estimation, plus preparing modelling outputs that can be shared with project's partners.

The successful candidate will work with academic and industrial project partners to generate simulation and experimental validation evidence, using available machine data, dynamometer testing, and HIL methods. The role will also involve documenting methods and results for project deliverables, reports and publications.

The post is suited to candidates with a PhD awarded or close to completion (or equivalent experience), in electrical machines, drives, control, real-time simulation, or a closely related engineering discipline, who is motivated to develop deployable motor-twin methods for intelligent motor drives.

The post is for the duration of 2 months and for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement motor-twin models for BLDC/PMSM drives, including parameters and state estimation.
• Deliver reduced-order high-fidelity electrical machine modelling methods suitable for simulation, HIL and real-time controller.
• Support validation using HIL platforms, dynamometer testing and environmental characterisation data, as required by the project plan.
• Work collaboratively with academic and industrial project partners, present progress, and maintain clear technical records, code, data and documentation. Contribute to project deliverables for the University of Sheffield work package.
• Contribute to dissemination activities, including preparation of technical reports, conference or journal papers.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Criteria

• A PhD or working towards a PhD degree in electrical engineering (or equivalent experience) — Essential — Application
• Experience in modelling, simulation or analysis of electrical machines or electric drives, such as BLDC/PMSM systems — Essential — Application/interview
• Experience using engineering software or programming tools for modelling and data analysis, such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, finite-element tools or equivalent — Essential — Application/Interview
• Awareness/knowledge of field-oriented control, FPGA-based control, GaN inverter technologies, or adaptive-control concepts — Desirable — Application
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing reports and presenting your findings — Essential — Application/interview
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment — Essential — Application/interview
• Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines — Essential — Application/interview
• Effective time management skills — Essential — Application/interview
• Ability to plan research tasks and progress work activities, and to monitor and manage the delivery of outcomes — Essential — Application/interview

Further Information

Grade: 6.1

Salary: £32,080.00 pro rata

Work arrangement: 20 hours per week

Duration: 2 months from start of project

Line manager: Xiao Chen

Direct reports: Head of School

Right to work in the UK: This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.uk.

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee

For informal enquiries about this job, contact Dr Xiao Chen at [e-mail].

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place during the week commencing 31 August 2026. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 24/08/26. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] .

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.